HTW Berlin, Germany

Earlier [last year], I had the privilege of participating in the International Summer School program, a collaboration between HTW Berlin, Swinburne University of Technology, and the University of Technology Sydney. This was a great opportunity that allowed me to expand my knowledge, connect with a global community, and grow both personally and professionally. The program was structured in two parts: three weeks in Sydney in February and three weeks in Berlin in July.

A Journey Across Two Continents

Our journey began in Sydney, where we were immersed in a vibrant academic and cultural environment. The three weeks there were filled with workshops, group projects, and site visits to tech hubs, allowing us to apply what we were learning in real-time. What stood out the most during this period was the opportunity to work with international peers on practical projects. I was part of a team working on Digital Twin project which was super interesting as it was an area of technology that I hadn’t encountered before. This not only tested my technical skills but also pushed me to think more creatively and learn all about this new interesting topic.

In July, I found myself in Berlin, a city known for its innovation and history. Berlin’s approach to tech, particularly in areas like AI ethics and autonomous industrial robotics, and it was different from what I’d experienced in Sydney. This contrast helped broaden my perspective on global tech trends and how different regions prioritise different aspects of technology. The hands-on experience we gained, especially while working on projects with real-world applications, was invaluable. Also being able to experience the atmosphere of the euros finals was amazing, the public viewing was packed with thousands of fans and was one of the best sporting experiences I have had. Berlin offered a different pace, and this allowed me to refine my skills further in a more thoughtful and introspective way.

Learning From Experts

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was learning from esteemed professors from HTW, Swinburne, and UTS. Their expertise and passion for the subjects they taught really stood out. I particularly appreciated the way they blended theory with practice. We didn’t just sit in lecture halls—we were constantly encouraged to apply what we learned through projects and discussions. The practical focus, combined with insights from experts in the field, made this program one of the most hands-on and engaging learning experiences I’ve had.

Building a Global Network

Beyond the academic experience, one of the biggest highlights for me was the opportunity to build an international network. Collaborating with students and professionals from around the world exposed me to new ideas and approaches. The discussions we had extended beyond technical topics—we talked about culture, societal challenges, and how technology can impact the world in diverse ways. This program also emphasised the importance of inclusion, with a particular focus on supporting women in tech. I was lucky to witness firsthand how diverse teams lead to more innovative and effective solutions, which will undoubtedly influence the way I approach teamwork in the future.

Personal Growth

In addition to gaining technical knowledge, I grew a lot as an individual. Being in different countries, navigating different cultures, and working with international peers taught me flexibility and resilience. The experience has made me more confident in my ability to adapt to new environments and tackle challenges head-on.

To any students considering this program, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s more than an academic exchange—it’s a chance to broaden your horizons, both personally and professionally. I’m grateful for the experiences and friendships I gained through this journey, and I’m excited to carry these lessons into my future career.

Samuel Molloy
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Bachelor of Business
Faculty Led – FEIT – Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin – Global Women in Engineering and IT Summer School
DAAD Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal